Short Description
The A.F.A. degree in Dance is a 65 credit pre-professional program designed for students pursuing careers in Dance Performance and Choreography. The curriculum focuses on technique skill development, choreography, and performance, with students engaging in technique classes and performances each semester and completing a Capstone Choreography Project in the last semester of the program. The program prepares students for transferring to a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program.
Type of Credential
Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Contacts and Additional Information
Program Coordinator:
Melinda Blomquist
CCBC Essex - WELL 200A
443-840-1347 or mblomquist@ccbcmd.edu
Additional Information:
Curriculum Maps
Curriculum Maps are a tool to provide students with a clear understanding of which courses to take and the order in which to complete them. Curriculum Maps help define a student’s individual path towards graduation, ensuring their time and efforts are not spent on credits that fall outside their program of study.
Each map identifies critical courses that must be completed in order to progress through the program and graduate. Curriculum Maps come complete with helpful hints for students - like recommended course electives and a reminder to apply to graduate.
Select the link(s) below to view the Curriculum Map(s) for this program: Program Description
This degree program offers a rich blend of technique, creative exploration, and academic coursework for aspiring dancers. Through technique courses in a variety of styles, courses that expand understanding of dance theory, and performance opportunities with the CCBC Dance Company, students can deepen their knowledge and understanding of dance as a performance art.
The mission of the Dance program of The Community College of Baltimore County is to provide students with opportunities to experience and learn about a broad spectrum of dance; to partner with students in developing the physical and technical skills necessary to communicate through dance; and to inspire students to participate in dance experiences to foster the intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth of dancers by instilling in them a commitment to artistic and personal excellence.
The program is designed to provide pre-professional training and help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Dance. General Education requirements and other degree requirements, program requirements, and electives, should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.
It is strongly recommended that students who wish to pursue study in this degree program speak with the Dance program coordinator before registering for courses. In addition to General Education course work students are required to take a minimum of two technique courses and one performance course each semester and additional dance theory courses. Placement in dance courses is determined by the Dance Program Coordinator. The CCBC Dance program is administered at CCBC Essex and Dance major courses are offered at the CCBC Essex campus. All Dance major courses are offered in-person, except for DANC 135 , which is also offered as an online or hybrid course.
Note: Although this degree follows a two-year plan, students who work more than 15 hours per week or have other major obligations outside of school are advised to take fewer courses each semester over a longer period of time. Students who work 25 hours or more are advised to take 12 credits or less each semester.